How To Comfort a Dog With a Fever
It can be very stressful to deal with a sick pet. It is normally a miserable time for both you and them. A fever can be especially difficult to manage, and your dog may not understand what is going on or why they are uncomfortable.
So, what is your dog’s normal body temperature? How can you make sure your dog’s fever stays manageable and that they are as comfortable and safe as possible?
Fever In Dogs
Dogs naturally have a slightly higher average body temperature than humans. Your dog’s body temperature should naturally be around 99 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. (37.2 - 39 Celsius) which is warmer than a human. You may also not be able to feel an increase in temperature through their skin and fur.
The best way to check their temperature is through a rectal thermometer, which will give you the most accurate reading. 103 (39.5) degrees and higher is a low-grade fever, and 106 (41) degrees and higher is considered a high fever. You can attempt at-home remedies for a low fever, but a vet should be contacted for a higher fever.
Dog fever symptoms can include-
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Shivering
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Lethargy
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Coughing
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Warm and/or flushed nose and ears.
If your dog has become seriously ill, or if they have been wounded or bitten recently, then treat your dog’s fever as an emergency and get them to the vet as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT! Do NOT Give Dogs OTC Medicine
The majority of OTC medicine is not safe for dogs or does not come in doses that are meant for your dog’s body size. Always be careful when giving your dog human medications unless approved by a vet.
Common human medicines that are dangerous to dogs include Acetaminophen (Tylenol), antihistamines, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen. Some eye drops and creams can also be unsafe. Always consult with a vet before giving your dog human medications.[1]
Home Remedies
Lower your dog’s body temperature
The goal should be to return your dog’s fever to normal body temperature. Some ways you can do this is by running a cloth soaked in cool water over their ears and muzzle, or by placing them near a fan. If they are comfortable, you can try to coax them into a lukewarm bath (not cold!)
Watch your dog closely, and stop if your dog’s temperature drops too far - below 103 degrees.
Avoid putting them in a very cold room or outside, as this can actually increase their body temperature and make them uncomfortable.
Hydration
Fever in dogs, even if their body temperature isn’t too high, can lead to dehydration, so try to get your dog to drink a small amount of water at regular intervals to stay hydrated. Cool, not cold, water could help to regulate your dog’s temperature.
If your dog’s fever is not so severe that they are vomiting, try giving them some canned food or other moist food to help them get more water in.
Create a Quiet Environment
One of the best ways to treat fever in dogs is with rest. Your dog will likely be lethargic, so make sure they have somewhere quiet and cool to lie down. Preferably without too much noise and out of direct sunlight.
Sometimes letting them sleep it off is the best course, but make sure to monitor your dog’s temperature often.
Sparkpaws’s Cooling Vest Tropical Storm
Heatstroke vs. Fever
If your dog has a fever after being outside in very hot weather or exercising a lot, then they may have heat stroke instead. They can seem similar since both will cause your dog’s temperature to rise, as well as vomiting and panting.
If your dog has a fever after being in hot weather, check their gums - they will be bright red with heat stroke. They will also have a high heart rate.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
You can try to cool your dog’s temperature by moving them inside or two a shady place and cooling them with a damp towel around their face and ears. The best way to treat heat stroke is to avoid it.
Make sure your dog is hydrated and not in the sun for long. You can also try using a cooling vest to reduce sun exposure.
If you are interested in cooling vests, try out Sparkpaw’s Dog Cooling Vest Collection to be safe this coming summer.
Potential Causes of Fevers in Dogs
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Diseases such as pneumonia, Lyme disease, or Parvo
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Infections such as urinary tract infections, ear infections, tooth and gum abscesses, and infected wounds
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Eating or drinking poisonous substances, such as toxic plants or human medicine
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Inflammation or allergies
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Certain cancers
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Fevers of unknown origin. Sometimes, dogs can get a fever for a non-obvious or undetectable reason. Check with a vet if your dog’s fever has an unknown origin.
Prevent Fever
Fever in dogs is never going to be one hundred percent preventable, but you can try by:
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Making sure their vaccinations are up-to-date
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Not letting your dog spend time with diseased animals
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Avoiding locations with a lot of mold and bacteria or bathing them soon afterwards
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Not letting them drink stagnant water or consume any garden plants or house chemicals
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Tending to and checking any wounds regularly
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Removing ticks and fleas regularly
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Checking your dog’s ears for infection
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Making sure they are getting a balanced, healthy diet
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Cleaning their teeth and regularly checking for gum disease
There are some supplements your dog can take to boost their immune system, but they will be better off with a balanced diet, including vegetables, a low-stress environment and frequent, good exercise.
Sometimes, their immune system can also be tested if they are regularly exposed to allergens, mold, or other particles.
Conclusion
Fever in dogs can be hard to diagnose. The old ‘their nose is hot and dry’ trick is a bit of an old wives’ tale. Your dog’s healthy temperature should naturally be around 99 - 102.5 degrees, with anything over 106 being a high fever.
If your dog has a fever that lasts more than two days, or any high grade fever, then they should go to the vet immediately.
Take your dog’s temperature rectally to determine if they have a fever. They may also vomit, have diarrhea, be lethargic, pant a lot, and cough.
You can try to bring back their normal body temperature by letting them rest somewhere quiet and calm, cooling them down with a fan or a damp towel, and by giving them vet-approved medication.
Never give your dog unapproved human medicine.
Try to avoid heat stroke and make you do as cool and comfortable as possible.
If you are concerned, it is always best to turn to a qualified vet.
Happy Walking!
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